New England & Canadian Maritimes Trip Notes

New England & Canadian Maritimes

Think you’ve seen all there is to see in the USA and Canada? Think again. Take a turn off the tourist trail and head north for a taste of Canada’s marvellous Maritimes, a pseudo-European landscape where emerald forests drop away to reveal sprawling coastlines, shipwrecked coasts and humble fishing towns. Along the way, explore the tree-lined roads of New England, cross the dramatic Appalachian mountains, get a taste of Maine’s fresh seafood and walk Boston’s revolutionary trail. For a unique North American experience, the fresh air and storybook scenery of New England and the Canadian Maritimes may be just the ticket.

This trip is operated by our experienced local partner, Grand American Adventures.

‘Comfort travel’ means encountering all that the real world has to offer, but with an added degree of, well… comfort. We use more private transport, the travel pace more relaxed, the accommodation a touch nicer. And by paying a little more up front, you’ll be treated to more included meals, more leader-led activities and get a greater immersion in all things local.

Themes

Explorer

Map

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Boston/Baxter State Park

Welcome to the USA!

There will be an important welcome meeting at 7:30 am this morning. Meet in the hotel reception/lobby. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader. You should have packed your bags and have eaten breakfast so that you are fresh and ready to start the journey.

We leave Boston this morning and travel north through New Hampshire and into the state of Maine to our destination - Baxter State Park.

The largest and most remote natural preserve in the eastern USA, Baxter State Park was named after its donor and former Maine governor, Percival P. Baxter, and covers an area of 809 square kilometres. At its heart lies Mount Katahdin, which is a mountain with many peaks. At 1600 metres (5267 feet), Baxter Peak is the highest point in Maine. The park marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail.

The next day is free to explore the park. There are many optional activities on offer including hiking, canoeing and scenic flights.

Optional Activities

Scenic flight - USD85

Canoe hire (per hour) - USD1

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Day 3 Fundy National Park

Today we cross the border into Canada and stop at coastal Fundy National Park in the province of New Brunswick.

The Bay of Fundy is known to have the highest range in tide levels of anywhere in the world, with an average variance of 15 metres (47.5 feet). The landscapes are also varied, from seaside tidal flats to conifer-covered highlands, home to animals such as moose, deer, beavers, raccoons, black bears, coyotes, hares, bats and squirrels.

We have the chance to enjoy a walk in these forests and perhaps even stop by some of the many waterfalls.

Included Activities

Hiking

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

Days 4-5 Prince Edward Island

Driving through the forests and farmlands of New Brunswick, today we cross the Gulf of St Lawrence to Prince Edward Island.

Prince Edward Island, often referred to as PEI, is the smallest of all the Canadian provinces, with a total population of only 141,000. The province itself actually consists of one major island called Prince Edward Island, as well as a collection of smaller islands. Prince Edward Island is perhaps best known as the childhood home of author Lucy Maud Montgomery, whose best-selling novel 'Anne of Green Gables' was also set here. It is possible to tour the Green Gables House, as well as stroll around on the Balsom Woods and Haunted Hollows trails that feature in the book.

We have free time here to relax and choose from various activities at this popular summer retreat. If Anne of Green Gables isn't your thing you might instead like to go cycling or beach combing.

Optional Activities

Tour of Green Gables House - USD8

Bicycle rental - USD25

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Days 6-7 Cape Breton Highlands National Park

From Prince Edward Island it is a short ferry ride to Caribou Provincial Park. We then drive towards the impressive headlands of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Located in the province of Nova Scotia - Canada's second smallest province - Cape Breton Highlands National Park features a spectacular coastline made up of sheer cliffs rising from the sea. The park consists of confierous and hardwood forests and is home to many species of wildlife including black bears, coyotes and moose. If lucky, it is also sometimes possible to see bald eagles flying overhead or perches high up in the trees.

During our time here options include hiking beside the many forested lakes and to the various rugged peaks for outstanding views, or you may like to take to the sea for some great kayaking along the remote and beautiful coastline.

Optional Activities

Kayak hire (per hour) - USD15

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Days 8-9 Halifax

Today we travel to the World Heritage listed town of Lunenberg. Lunenberg's unique architecture is exemplified in the colorful wooden structures that date back to colonial times, reflecting the town's position as a seaport and centre for shipbuilding. A walk down the streets here is sure to remind you of a journey back to a bygone era.

We then continue to Halifax, Nova Scotia's provincial capital and largest city.

With its large natural harbour, Halifax has historically been one of the busiest seaports in Canada.

Optional Activities

Halifax Citadel - CAD12

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic - CAD9

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Day 10 Digby

This morning there is time to enjoy some of the many parks, museums, landmarks, art galleries and waterfront cafes of Halifax.

Spend the afternoon in Nova Scotia before stopping for the night on the western coast in Digby.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

Days 11-12 Acadia National Park

Leaving Canada, today we re-enter the USA and travel towards Acadia National Park.

Acadia National Park is the only national park in New England. Situated on a series of rocky coastal islands, this reserve was originally named Lafayette National Park in 1919 and took on its present name in 1929. Famous for its natural beauty, wildlife and spectacular coastline, Acadia is a perfect place to enjoy hiking and mountain biking, or climb into a sea kayak (optional) to gain better access to the rugged coastline and some of the scenic hidden coves.

Acadia is the perfect place to enjoy hiking and mountain biking, or there is also the chance to partake in an optional deep sea fishing excursion. Maybe catch something for dinner or haul up a lobster?

Optional Activities

Sea kayaking - USD75

Mountain biking - USD45

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Day 13 Boston

Today we make our way back to Boston, where the trip comes to an end at approximately 5pm. There is no accommodation included tonight, but as there is much to see and do in Boston we recommend that you stay a few extra nights. If you are planning to fly out tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9pm.

Boston is a historically important city that was founded by the Puritans in 1630, and you'll have the chance to stroll along the British colonial streets. Boston is also famous for its sporting events including baseball, basketball and ice hockey, not to mention its popular college teams. Visiting Faneuil Hall marketplace or the nearby Italian District is a great way to get a real taste for this popular city.

Your visit to Boston must include a walk into history along the Freedom Trail. You can start in the beginning, the middle or the end and wend your way through the streets of this very modern city — Boston — and along the paths of history. This is Boston’s indoor/outdoor history museum. There are 16 “official” sites of the Freedom Trail and you’ll want to visit every one.

Optional Activities

Freedom Trail - Free

Also available to purchase

For many of our trips we have other services or experiences that are also available to purchase to extend your trip or to make your holiday a little easier. Below is a list of other travel products you can purchase in conjunction with this trip.

STKM Single Supplement (STKM)

We also recommend

If this trip is not quite right for you, cast your eye over these alternatives:

Appalachian Trail Walk (STKH)

Chicago, Niagara & New York (SSSA)

Itinerary disclaimer

Occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. The information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It's very important that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.intrepidtravel.com

Please note that while we operate successful trips in this region throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route.

Culture shock rating

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be similar to home.

Physical rating

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Physical preparation

We recommend that you undertake regular aerobic exercise in the weeks before you travel, particularly if you are not in the habit of regular exercise. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your aerobic fitness, which will allow you to enjoy the trip to its fullest.

Many of the North American national parks that we visit have hiking opportunities where walks up to 4 hours can be an option for you. There are often easier options too.

Included activities

Included activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary, all other activities are optional and at your own expense. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

Optional activities

A selection of optional activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only. Prices are approximate and are for entrance only and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability and it may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. This means that it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, however we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with booking these activities. The decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Money Exchange

It can be difficult to exchange money while on the road so we suggest that you bring some cash in US dollars/Canadian dollars, or exchange/withdraw money at the airport when you arrive, or at least before you start the trip.

Your individual budget will depend on your personal plans. Think about how much you want to spend on souvenirs, shopping, entertainment, food, drinks, excursions and attractions that aren't included in your trip (eg. helicopter flights etc). Please bear in mind that North America has endless things to do and see. Not all possible optional activities are listed in our Trip Notes.

The cheapest and most convenient way to acquire money is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) which are plentiful throughout all cities and towns, and even at roadside stops. This allows you to draw funds from your personal account at a superior exchange rate. Bank fees for these withdrawals can be either a flat rate or a percentage of the amount withdrawn. Check with your bank for information on their international fees.

Don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it's stolen. Keep this in a safe place. When using your debit card, check your receipts and keep them to compare against your statement when you get home.

Occasionally banks will also allow cash advances on your credit card, but it's not recommended to rely on this method only. We recommend that you carry some cash for situations when ATMs can't be accessed.

Spending money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Tipping

If you're happy with the service you receive, providing a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. Please note we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group as our group leaders are prohibited from collecting cash for tips.

The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:

Restaurants: We suggest 15% to 20% of your bill.

Bars: Recommended US$1 for each drink ordered to ensure you are served again.

Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest US$3 per day for local guides.

Your Group Leader: You should also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. Your leader works long and hard for you. He or she may well become your friend during the trip but they do need to pay their bills. If the leader's performance meets or exceeds your expectation they will gladly accept a tip from you. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however you should plan to tip your leader US$5-$7 per person per day.

Another charge not normally listed in North American costs is the state and federal taxes, keep this in mind when your bill comes out slightly higher than the original price listed.

Departure tax

Please note that you are responsible for your own visas and taxes. Please have these amounts available prior to departing the various countries.

Important notes

LOCAL PARTNER:This trip is operated by our trusted local partners, Grand American Adventures.

AGE RESTRICTIONS:Grand American Adventures tours are designed for adults over 18 years old. For safety reasons, travellers over 70 will be asked to complete a self-declaration of fitness, although experience has shown us that our senior travellers are often in the best shape!

LEGAL DRINKING AGE: Please note that the legal drinking age in the US is 21 and in some parts of Canada it's 19.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS:The following national holidays are observed in the US, which can affect our itinerary as traffic can be extreme, and shops, restaurants and attractions can be closed:- New Year's Day- Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.- Washington's Birthday- Memorial Day- Independence Day- Labor Day- Columbus Day- Veterans Day- Thanksgiving Day- Christmas Day

Group size

Maximum of 13 travellers per group.

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Single travellers

Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and don't involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multishare. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis and where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On a selection of our trips, you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own accommodation (where available). Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour - pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.

A single supplement is available on this trip, please refer to your booking agent for further information.

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nts)

On our lodging tours all accommodation will be in clean, comfortable, tourist class hotels/motels based on a twin share basis (two people per room) with en-suite bathroom facilities. Rooms will have two beds wherever single travellers are sharing. All bedding and towels are provided.

Meals introduction

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialities so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

Meals

No meals included

Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less.

USD 420.00

On our lodging tours we eat in local restaurants where passengers pay individually for each of their meals and drinks. Average hotel breakfasts cost from US$6-$12, lunches from US$8-$15 and dinners from US$13-$30; this does not include alcoholic beverages. Wine costs approximately US$5 per glass and beer US$4 per bottle.

Most group leaders will offer their tour members the choice to operate a ‘lunch only’ food kitty that has proven to be a popular alternative to three daily restaurant meals. Leaders will more fully explain this option and the whole group will have to agree to implement this system. Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements before travelling.

Transport

Van, Ferry

All of our private vehicles are designed to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment of the tour. In North America, our new 15-seater vehicles feature air-conditioning, raised ceilings for more headroom, captain seats for added comfort, back row "bench" seats and an open centre aisle floor plan, making it easier when getting in and out at those many photo opportunities. All our vehicles are equipped with CD stereo systems, often iPod-compatible, and air-conditioning, to make travelling a pleasure.

Group leader

Your Intrepid group leader’s role involves organising the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip, managing trip logistics and camp responsibilities. They will work to make the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travellers. Intrepid's North American trips are built around the co-operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader. On our camping trips, your leader will show the group how to set up and use the camp equipment, and form work groups to take turns cooking, cleaning and shopping. Everyone is expected participate and carry their share of the workload, making camp chores easier. If the whole group participates it will be quicker, easier and more fun.

Your leader will provide basic information about the sights and cities you'll be visiting but please note that our leaders are not 'tour guides' in the traditional sense. They are adventure travel specialists and are there to organise your trip, arrange activities and help with questions or problems you may have while on your tour. Your leader will provide you with all the important information you need to embark on your own explorations.

They are also responsible for driving the van and navigating across the country. The allowable driving times for drivers is strictly controlled in North America. This ensures our drivers are well rested and are not over-tired from too many hours on the roads.

While your group will have a minivan for all included activities on the trip, please note that the services of the van and the driver may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.

We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.

It's strictly forbidden for non-qualified rangers to present any information about some National Parks in North America, therefore we adopt a system (as requested by the park rangers) where our leader will encourage travellers to visit the information centres in the National Parks for details about the site.

Joining point

The Midtown Hotel Boston

220 Huntington Avenue

Boston

MA

02115

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Phone: +1 6172621000

Arrival complications

We don't expect any problems (and nor should you) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact section below for who to contact depending upon your starting location.

No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.

Finish point

The Midtown Hotel Boston

220 Huntington Avenue

Boston

MA

02115

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Phone: +1 6172621000

Emergency contact

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Grand American Adventures can be reached as follows:

For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week (excluding Sunday). For further contact details please use the following page:

Emergency funds

Please also make sure you have access to an additional US$500, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest, strike action or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.

Visas

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

Entrance requirements to the USA have changed in recent years so please read the following instructions carefully, even if you have travelled to the USA before.

Many countries now operate under a visa waiver program (meaning a visa isn't required) however you still need to obtain an authorisation which confirms that you have been approved to travel. This authorisation must be obtained in advance of travel.

Many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can travel to the USA without a visa for a 90 day stay, if they meet certain requirements. Travellers from all Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable passport (which meets US requirements) at the port of entry to enter without a visa, otherwise a US visa is required. Canada doesn't require a visa for many foreign nationals however you should check to see if this applies to your country. You can get further information from the US Department of State and the Canadian government websites:- http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors.html- http://canadainternational.gc.ca

Also please note, all travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries must obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to their flight from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

All ESTA registration applications or renewals require a US$14.00 fee paid by credit or debit card. You should apply for your visa waiver authorisation at least 1 week prior to travel to avoid any last minute delays. You will require your passport details and your address in the US (you can use the starting point hotel/hostel address).

IMPORTANT:If you are refused boarding or denied admission at the US port of entry you will still be subject to Grand American Adventures cancellation charges in accordance with the terms of our contract with you.

CANADA TOURIST VISAAustralia: Not required Belgium: Not requiredGermany: Not requiredIreland: Not requiredNetherlands: Not requiredNew Zealand: Not requiredSouth Africa: Yes - in advanceSwitzerland: Not requiredUnited Kingdom: Not required

Issues on your trip

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. But we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 30 minutes).

Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list.

LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS:All luggage is carried in trailers or inside the vehicle so please don't bring more than one medium sized bag, backpack or suitcase (20kg maximum) per person, plus a sleeping bag where required on your trip. Your suitcase/rucksack may get some rough handling, so make sure it's a tough one. A small daypack and camera may also be carried inside the vehicle.

CLIMATE & CLOTHING:Keep in mind that our dress tends to be informal. Take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to suit the season. You may encounter a wide variety of temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions - so be prepared! Make sure to pack a warm fleece and a waterproof jacket as well as comfortable walking shoes.

WATER BOTTLE:Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

Health

All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

PERSONAL MEDICATIONS:Medical prescriptions written outside of the US and Canada aren't accepted at pharmacies. Therefore, we recommend you bring along your personal medications in the necessary quantities for your trip.

DEHYDRATION & SUN PROTECTION:The most likely medical incidents to occur on our trips are dehydration, over exposure to the sun, and twisted ankles from walking on uneven ground. While hiking please ensure you drink enough water to remain hydrated as some hikes don't have refill stations for your water bottles. The sun (especially in desert areas in the West) can be harsh, particularly in the warmer months. Ensure you apply adequate sun protection cream and wear a hat. Travelling with sunburn can be uncomfortable.

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field:

BEARS:Whilst travelling throughout North America it's not uncommon to encounter bears within campsites and national parks. Your group leader has been specifically trained for these situations and, if camping, will inform the group on how to 'bear proof' the camp in the evenings or when the site is unattended. There's absolutely no reason to be alarmed by this possibility as it is extremely rare for bears to attack humans.

PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY:While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

Please go to our website for links to various travel insurance providers:

We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please visit our website for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller:

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Intrepid travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular, the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure on their trip. We don’t tolerate any form of sexual harassment at Intrepid, either between passengers or involving our leaders or local operators. Sexual relationships (consensual or otherwise) between a leader and a passenger are unacceptable. If you ever feel another person is behaving inappropriately please inform us immediately by contacting the emergency contact number detailed in these trip notes.

The Intrepid Foundation

Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we've been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. Whilst it is often tempting to give hand-outs to those less fortunate, this has the potential to promote a culture of begging and dependency. Handouts are not a sustainable way for individuals or communities to live. That’s why we established The Intrepid Foundation – to make it easier for travellers wishing to give back to communities in an effective and meaningful way.

The Intrepid Foundation is a not-for-profit fund offering a selection of excellent grassroots organisations which you can contribute to. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar (up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$400,000 for all donors in each financial year). And every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your leader for information on the projects we support through The Intrepid Foundation or go to our website:

After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers.